Published author of YA and adult paranormal romance, horror, urban fantasy short stories, novellas and novels. On this site you'll find writing advice, information on my work, book reviews, author interviews and more…

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Interview with Charity Parkerson and Regina Puckett

Tell us about your publishing journey…

—Regina—I began writing in the eighth grade without any thought of ever becoming a published author. For a girl growing up in a small town in Tennessee that goal seemed to be out of my reach. I thought for many years the most I could hope for was to marry and raise children. The dream of having my romance stories published didn’t take shape until I was married with two young daughters. I finally decided I had nothing to lose by mailing my manuscripts off to the publishing houses. After all, they wouldn’t be rejecting me to my face but by a standard form letter. For years I submitted my books to publisher after publisher. It wasn’t until both daughters were grown that a publisher finally accepted my sweet romance, Concealed in My Heart.

I soon discovered that being published was not the end of the journey but just the beginning. Writing is hard work. It takes grit and determination. It also helps to be the type of person who never lets a few setbacks stand in the way of success.

—Charity—Like a lot of writers, I began writing really bad poetry and short stories when I was a teenager. Of course, all of those things were set aside when I got married and had children. After my second son was born, I had a dream that wouldn’t leave me alone until I wrote it down. Once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. I drove my husband insane forcing him to read every word, until one day he said, “Why are you doing this if you don’t intend to ever go for publication?”
At the time, I shrugged off his question, intending the stories for my pleasure alone. One day, I secretly submitted my book to a publisher, thinking if I failed no one would know except for me. To my surprise, they wanted it. Since then, I’ve been with a couple of different publishing companies before ending with one I love— Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

What do you love about being an author?

—Charity—I love being able to create world where other people can escape. If, only for a few hours, I allow someone to live another life then I have succeeded and every sacrifice I’ve made along the way has been worth it.

—Regina— I’m shy, so writing gives me the opportunity to say things I would never otherwise have the nerve to say. On paper I’m bold, brassy and sassy.

If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?

—Regina— I would eat a meal with Harry Potter in the Hogwarts’ dining hall. We would pig out on French fries and butterbeer. I could hang with Harry and his friends just as long none of them forced me to ride a broom. I’m scared to death of heights.

—Charity—Eric the Northman from The Sookie Stackhouse series. I’d have steak because I’d need my strength.

If your books were to be made into movies, who would you cast as the leads?

—Regina— Vampires should be bloody hungry monsters. Who would want to kiss a guy who had just been sucking on blood?

If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?

—Regina— I enjoyed the 1960’s. It was a great time of naïve hope. Everything and anything seemed possible.

—Charity—That’s something I’m doomed to screw up so I don’t think I’d go. Also, I’m a bit of a germaphobe. I enjoy today’s bathing/bathroom luxury.

What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?

—Charity—Let go of negative people and surround yourself with the positive.
—Regina— I suck at giving and taking advice, but here goes. I wish I had believed more in myself, so my advice would be to believe in your own worth and never let anyone tell you that your dreams aren’t important or impossible.

If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?

—Regina— I would be a fairy. Who wouldn’t want to be beautiful and have wings?
—Charity—A Fae. I’m in love with all things Vampire, but I could never give up the sunlight. Unless, we’re talking about hooking up with a one of the men from Black Dagger Brotherhood, then I’m there! Otherwise, I’d like to something magical but in the sun.

Where do you write best?

—Charity—In my recliner. I have an office, but I never use it. My best work always ends up coming to me when I’m kicked back staring at the living room ceiling.
—Regina— I can write anywhere. I just need a good story to tell and a computer.

What’s it like collaborating on a book?

—Regina— It was fun and frustrating at the same time. I like being in control, so the times I had to turn loose of some of it, I pouted like a two year old. I couldn’t have done it with anyone else. There were times I had no idea where we were going with our plot in Chained in Desire. I must have called her a hundred times. I feel certain, if I hadn’t been her mother, she might have told me to forget the whole thing. Fortunately, we had a better plan by the time we began writing Claimed by Sin. We are a good team. I know I can count on Charity when it counts. We are so much alike. Neither of us ever wanted to miss a deadline so that was always foremost in our minds the entire time.

—Charity—I don’t think I could have done it with anyone other than Regina. I’m a bit controlling and I tend to take over. I needed someone who could work with me under those conditions and still love me at the end.

What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?

—Charity—“Lick” by Kylie Scott. I absolutely loved it. I laughed, cried and smiled. It’s one of my new favorites.

—Regina— An Artist’s Eye by Clive S. Johnson. It is the fifth book in his Dica Series. I loved every word of it. He’s not just a writer but a true artist of the written word.

If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?

—Charity—I’ve always wished I could write a mystery novel, because I’d love to keep people on the edge of their seat wondering who did it

—Regina— I write romance, horror, children’s picture books, inspirational stories, poetry and now Erotic/Horror. I think I have most of the genres covered. I’m certainly not afraid to try something new.

Bad Blood – Battle of the Undead #1

“I am Britannia. I am your protector. I will fend off the hungry hordes of undead hands that reach toward you. I am your steadfast defender. I will stand between you and the zombie masses as they try to taste your flesh. I am strong, unyielding, and dedicated to your survival. All I ask from you… is your blood.”

Bad Blood Reviews

5 Stars: This book is freaking Awesome! I read it in like three hours! I couldn’t put the book down the action was mind blowing and the story was riveting! Amanda Masters Reviews

5 Stars: Now, the main reason I loved this book so much was the action. Every word describes action. Every page has action. I also really love the author’s selection of different species of the book and the contrast between the two: the vampires and the zombies. Girl in the Wood Reviews

4 Stars: Bad Blood brings an exciting new take on Vampires. I have to admit, vampire books have been boring me lately, but when you add zombies to the mix…. Loved it!! Genie (Goodreads)

5 Stars: I loved it.. Not really into a Zombie Book, but because it had Vampires I gave it a try and wow.. really a fast paced action book for a short read. Valerie (Goodreads)

Bad Timing – Battle of the Undead #2

Bad Timing - Battle of the Undead #2 out now!

Traitors’ Gate – Battle of the Undead #0.5 – FREE READ

About Nicky Peacock

My published books

Bad Blood – Battle of the Undead #1

So Long and Thanks for all the Brains – Available: http://www.amazon.co.uk/So-Long-Thanks-All-Brains-ebook/dp/B006T3L2CW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410436510&sr=8-1&keywords=so+long+and+thanks+for+all+the+brains